Spartanburg in Spartanburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Grave of William Walker
⎯⎯⎯
Magnolia Cemetery
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
1. Grave of William Walker / Magnolia Cemetery Marker
Grave of William Walker
William "Singin' Billy" Walker (1809-1875) was the author of Southern Harmony, a collection of religious music employing shaped musical notes to aid those who could not read standard musical notation. He later published the more elaborate Christian Harmony and taught "singing schools" throughout the middle, southern and western states. He is buried in Magnolia Cemetery.
Magnolia Cemetery
In 1838, Jesse Cleveland deeded 2 1/2 acres of this land, including the village cemetery, to the town of Spartanburg for a graveyard. It was enlarged in 1868 by the purchase of 1 1/8 acres from Robert E. Cleveland. The earliest legible inscription is found on the marker to Robert Walker, who died in 1810. Many of Spartanburg's early civil, educational, and political leaders are buried here.
Erected 1976 by Spartanburg Garden Club Council. (Marker Number 42-7.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 34° 57.302′ N, 81° 56.264′ W. Marker is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. It is at the intersection of Howard Street and Magnolia
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Hub City / Spartanburg Union Station (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wofford College (approx. Ό mile away); Central Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Montgomery Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Evins-Bivings House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pellagra Hospital (approx. 0.4 miles away); Spartanburg Methodist College (approx. 0.4 miles away); Downtown Spartanburg Pocket Park (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spartanburg.
Also see . . .
1. Southern Harmony. The Southern Harmony is a shape note hymn and tune book compiled by William Walker. (Submitted on September 17, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
2. William Walker. William Walker (May 6, 1809 – September 24, 1875) was a Baptist song leader, shape note "singing master", and compiler of three shape note tunebooks. (Submitted on September 17, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)
Additional commentary.
1. Annual 'Singin
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
2. Grave of William Walker / Magnolia Cemetery Marker Reverse
Each March, a festival is held on the campus of Wofford College to honor the work and legacy of 'Singin' Billy' Walker. Shapenote singers from the Southeast attend for the day-long event. The event is free and open to the public. No experience is necessary to participate. The event ends with a prayer service at Walker's grave site.
— Submitted September 17, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
3. Magnolia Cemetery Entrance
Left Column:
Restoration
Magnolia Cemetery
Bicentennial Project
of the
Spartanburg Garden Club Council
July 4, 1976
Right Column:Gates and Archway
donated by
Leadership Spartanburg
Class of 1998
Cit of Spartanburg
and
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Urban Youth Corps
2000 Beautification Project
Magnolia Cemetery
Bicentennial Project
of the
Spartanburg Garden Club Council
July 4, 1976
Right Column:
donated by
Leadership Spartanburg
Class of 1998
Cit of Spartanburg
and
South Carolina Department of Transportation
Urban Youth Corps
2000 Beautification Project
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
4. Magnolia Cemetery
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
5. Grave of William Walker
Photographed by Brian Scott, August 2, 2008
6. Grave of William Walker
In Memory of Wm. Walker, A.S.H.
Died September 24th 1875, in the 64th year of his age. He was a devoted Husband & kind Father, a consistent Baptist 47 years. Taught music 45 yrs. The author of 4 Books of sacred music. He rests from his labors. He died in the triumphs of faith.
------
Sing praises unto the Lord
Bottom Marker
To the Memory of William Walker, A.S.H.
Singin' Billy
Pioneer in Southern Christian Harmony
1809-1875
This marker placed by the South Carolina Branch of the National Federation of Music Clubs Plot restored by the Woman's Music Club of Spartanburg, S.C.
March 16, 1939
Died September 24th 1875, in the 64th year of his age. He was a devoted Husband & kind Father, a consistent Baptist 47 years. Taught music 45 yrs. The author of 4 Books of sacred music. He rests from his labors. He died in the triumphs of faith.
------
Sing praises unto the Lord
Bottom Marker
To the Memory of William Walker, A.S.H.
Singin' Billy
Pioneer in Southern Christian Harmony
1809-1875
This marker placed by the South Carolina Branch of the National Federation of Music Clubs Plot restored by the Woman's Music Club of Spartanburg, S.C.
March 16, 1939
Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 4,153 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 2, 2008, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
